Day 1 (Friday) – 29/05/2015Edinburgh- Isle of Skye- Achmore

Depart from Edinburgh in the morning (approx. 1030AM).

Direction: DUNKELD (Perthshire PH8 0AW)

Our first stop is Dunkeld in Perth, a delightful Highland village with a history stretching back to the 8th century. The lovely village of Dunkeld sits on the banks of the River Tay. The majestic Dunkeld Cathedral dominates this picturesque Perthshire village. Today, part ruin and part parish church, the cathedral features the tomb of the notorious 'Wolf of Badenoch'! Nearby, walk along Atholl Street's variety of specialist shops or take a walk down by the river, which provides excellent views of Thomas Telford's Dunkeld Bridge.

Direction: PH35 4HR (Loch Garry)

We continue north through the Cairngorms National Park and alongside Loch Laggan. Following the Great Glen we stop for photos of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. Travelling through spectacular mountain scenery, we stop at Loch Garry for a famous photo opportunity before continuing through stunning Glen Shiel to reach Eilean Donan Castle.

Direction: IV40 8DX (Eliean Donan Castle)

Perhaps the most iconic image of Highland Scotland, the castle has been used as the backdrop for countless famous movies. It is perfectly situated on a small island, surrounded by water and fabulous scenery - a ‘must-see’ Scottish castle.

Accommodation : Tigh a Bhruaich, Achmore, Scotland IV53 8UU, United Kingdom

After check in and rest, if we still have energy, we can go to the Skye bridge. (Kyle of Lochalsh)

Day 2 (Saturday) – 30/05/2015Achmore- Portnalong, Isle of Skye

Depart from Edinburgh in the morning (approx. 1030AM).

Direction: DUNKELD (Perthshire PH8 0AW)

Our first stop is Dunkeld in Perth, a delightful Highland village with a history stretching back to the 8th century. The lovely village of Dunkeld sits on the banks of the River Tay. The majestic Dunkeld Cathedral dominates this picturesque Perthshire village. Today, part ruin and part parish church, the cathedral features the tomb of the notorious 'Wolf of Badenoch'! Nearby, walk along Atholl Street's variety of specialist shops or take a walk down by the river, which provides excellent views of Thomas Telford's Dunkeld Bridge.

Direction: PH35 4HR (Loch Garry)

We continue north through the Cairngorms National Park and alongside Loch Laggan. Following the Great Glen we stop for photos of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. Travelling through spectacular mountain scenery, we stop at Loch Garry for a famous photo opportunity before continuing through stunning Glen Shiel to reach Eilean Donan Castle.

Direction: IV40 8DX (Eliean Donan Castle)

Perhaps the most iconic image of Highland Scotland, the castle has been used as the backdrop for countless famous movies. It is perfectly situated on a small island, surrounded by water and fabulous scenery - a ‘must-see’ Scottish castle.

Accommodation : Tigh a Bhruaich, Achmore, Scotland IV53 8UU, United Kingdom

After check in and rest, if we still have energy, we can go to the Skye bridge. (Kyle of Lochalsh)

Just after you pass Eilean Donan castle you'll see a road that goes off to the right. Take it and then take the first right that goes up the hill. You'll soon come to a parking spot on the left that gives you magnificent views of the castle as well as the loch. 

Today is spent touring the Isle of Skye and, depending on weather conditions, the itinerary is flexible and at the discretion of your driver/guide. We enjoy a half-day scenic drive along the dramatic Trotternish Ridge with its spectacular cliffs and rock formations.  Stops can include Lealt Waterfall, Kilt Rock sea cliffs, the Old Man of Storr rock pinnacle and a walk at the Quiraing mountain passOne of our favourite stops is the Fairy Glen, a delightful miniature Highland landscape and legendary home of the 'wee people'! Other highlights of the island include a drive to the most westerly point on Skye and a walk to Neist Point lighthouse for spectacular views to the Western Isles.  Another popular stop is the emerald green valley of Glen Brittle, nestled under the mighty Cuillin Mountains.

Here you can enjoy a walk to the enchanting Fairy Pools or stroll on the beautiful sandy beach. The 13th century home of the Clan McLeod, Dunvegan Castle, is also a popular attraction and Talisker malt whisky distillery offers tours and a chance to taste the famous ‘water of life’.  Both Dunvegan and Talisker are primarily wet-weather options, useful because of Skye's famously changeable weather!

Today is at leisure to explore Skye at your own pace. Many possibilities beckon depending on

the weather, and your knowledgeable guide is ready with tips to help you get the most of your

time.

Perhaps head north from Portree to see or walk a section of the stunning Trotternish Ridge, a

dramatic line of hills that culminates in the Old Man of Storr, the sea cliffs of Kilt Rock, and the

craggy rock formations of Quiraing.

Alternatively, take in the lush green estate of Glendale, visit 13th-century Dunvegan Castle, or

journey to the sea cliffs at Neist Point to spot seabirds and perhaps dolphins, sharks or whales.

This evening, take your pick from Portree’s pubs and restaurants again for dinner (own expense).

After returning to the mainland we drive past the Five Sisters of Kintail, a high mountain ridge rising steeply from sea level. The five distinctly pointed summits are a well known landmark. Next stop is famous Loch Ness - Scotland’s legendary lake and home to the elusive monster!

We have lunch in the picturesque village of Fort Augustus, where you will have time to walk by the shores of the loch or along the canal and lock system built by Thomas Telford in the early 1800s

We continue through Fort William to perhaps the most famous of all Scotland’s glens, Glen Coe. This narrow valley is where the bloody massacre of the MacDonalds took place in 1692, one of the most notorious acts in Scotland’s long and violent history.

There’ll be time for photos of the wild scenery before continuing to Tyndrum for a break. As we approach the Lowlands we drive past the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle where you’ll hear about Scotland’s great patriots William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Their names have resounded through British history for 700 years - a fitting conclusion to a wonderful trip!